Until Someone Gets Hurt

I think your mini-review [January 12] missed one very important aspect of the current production of True West.

The onstage combat in that production was perhaps the single most dangerous thing I have ever seen on stage. Not only was I frightened, as an audience member, to watch Austin thrown around on an uncontrolled trajectory (stopped only by his head), but as an actor, I am frightened for the safety of both actors if that show runs much longer as it stands. I'm frightened that two obviously intelligent and instinctual actors, Michael J. Stark and Aaron Christensen, have allowed themselves to be convinced to risk their health and careers every night for this show. Director Ronald Jiu should, in good conscience, put a stop to the performances until such time as he can have a qualified fight choreographer come in and help the actors tell the violent physical story of this play, without the foolish personal risks they are presently taking.